10 Ways You Can Help the Transgender Community Today

On Wednesday, July 26, President Trump announced that transgender people will be banned from serving “in any capacity” in the U.S. military. Trump tweeted that American military forces “must be focused on decisive and overwhelming victory and cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail.”

Trump’s decision is a huge step backward, reversing a policy approved by the Defense Department under President Barack Obama in June 2016 which would have allowed transgender individuals to openly serve in the military. That policy was given a year-long review process so the Pentagon could decide how to accept new transgender military recruits, but on June 30, 2017, Defense Secretary James Mattis delayed the enactment further, during which time Trump was able to swoop in and reinstate the ban. This marks yet another setback for the trans community, following Trump's decision in February to reverse an Obama administration policy that allowed transgender students to use the bathroom of their choice.

In the face of such blatant discrimination, it’s important to support the trans communtiy and all who are personally affected by this misguided announcement. Here, some of the resources you can use and ways you can help the transgender community today.

1) Donate to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

For nearly a century, the ACLU has worked to defend individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Members of the ACLU promote free speech, advocate for reform, and make it easy for individuals to be aware of their rights so they can take action when necessary. If you or someone you know would benefit from legal advice regarding transgender rights, reach out to an ACLU representative near you, like attorney Joshua Block. The ACLU's website also has links to several other ways you can get involved and make a change now.

If you are a trans service member or reservist please contact me. If you know a trans service member or reservist tell them to contact me. https://t.co/3kdzotIUiT

2) Contact the Transgender Law Center (TLC)

The Transgender Law Center is a civil rights organization that works to change laws and individual attitudes about transgender rights so all trans people can live safely and free from discrimination. TLC provides a space where transgender people and their families can be placed in contact with competent legal services to help fight for their rights.

3) Donate to SPART*A

SPART*A is a group of LGBT individuals who currently serve or have served in the military, along with their families, veterans, and uniformed allies. This membership organization works to provide equal support for all service members, regardless of race, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity. They provide direct peer support, advocate for the implementation of transgender-inclusive policies, and provide professional development and networking services as well as legal referrals.

4) Support the Transgender American Veterans Association

The Transgender American Veterans Association works in coordination with other concerned LGBTQ+ organizations across the nation. Together, they ensure veterans who identify as transgender will receive appropriate care for medical conditions. This is in accordance with the Veterans Health Administration Customer Service Standards promise to “treat you with courtesy and dignity as the first class citizen that you are.”

5) Contact the National Center for Transgender Equality

The National Center for Transgender Equality is a social justice advocacy organization that promotes positive change in the lives of transgender people and offers education about trans rights, how to speak to your senators about trans equality, and how to take action. "Every year, NCTE organizes a day for transgender and gender non-conforming people to educate our elected representatives in Washington, DC, along with a day of training for every participant," the site reads. You can do your part by visiting the offices of your congressional representative and educating them about trans issues. Find out how to help here.

.@POTUS wants to discard 1000s of trained & skilled troops who are already serving honorably & done nothing but be honest about who they are pic.twitter.com/r6JEnZqbEO

— National Center for Transgender Equality (@TransEquality) July 26, 2017

6) Support Global Action for Trans Equality (GATE)

GATE is an organization that works internationally to support gender identity, gender expression, and bodily identity. They defend human rights, ensure individuals have access to crucial knowledge surrounding the rights of trans individuals, and support political organizing worldwide. Find out how to support this organization here.

7) Contact the Sylvia Rivera Law Project (SRLP)

"The Sylvia Rivera Law Project works to guarantee that all people are free to self-determine gender identity and expression, regardless of income or race, and without facing harassment, discrimination or violence," the site's welcome banner reads. Providing direct representation for low-income transgender people and transgender people of color, the SRLP seeks to help trans people gain access to the services and benefits to which they are entitled.

8) Work with Black Trans Advocacy and the Trans Latina Coalition

The National Transgender Discrimination Survey, "Injustice at Every Turn: A Look at Black Respondents," shows that black trans and gender non-conforming people reported experiencing the highest levels of discrimination of all transgender people. Black Trans Advocacy works to address key issues faced by the black trans community as a result of discrimination—including income, education, employment, housing, health, legal justice and interfaith support. The Trans Latina Coalition works to do the same for trans Latina women and offers access to educational resources to promote the empowerment of trans leaders.

9) Donate to the Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ+) young people between the ages of 13 and 24. Since all branches of the military allow citizens to join the military at the age of 17 (with a parent's permssion), it's likely many young trans individuals are struggling due to today's announcement.

10) Get Involved with the Transgender Support Network at PFLAG

PFLAG works to unite people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) with families, friends, and allies. This organization is committed to advancing the equality of transgender individuals in all areas of life through its mission of support, education, and advocacy. Consider donating and taking action by visiting their site here.

For more ways to show your support, see transequality.org for a list of things you can do to support transgender rights.

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